Donovan, Buddle help Galaxy remain in playoff hunt

Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle both found the back of the net
as the Galaxy extended their winning streak to five games with
Saturday's 2-1 victory over Toronto FC.

With the triumph, Los Angeles (8-11-10) moved within four points
of the Chicago Fire (9-10-10) for the final slot in the MLS Cup
playoff standings.

"It wasn't the greatest game, but we all know that we need the
points, and in the end, that's what matters," Galaxy coach Frank
Yallop said. "You do what you have to do, and we get a
result."

After Toronto's Marco Reda was red-carded and ejected for his
goal scoring opportunity foul, Donovan put the Galaxy on the
board with a penalty shot - his eighth - past goalkeeper Kenny
Stamatopoulos in the 56th minute.

However, Toronto responded when Collin Samuel beat netminder Joe
Cannon for his second tally of the season in the 68th minute,
tying the game at 1-1.

But 10 minutes later Chris Klein found Buddle, who entered for
Josh Tudela, streaking down the left side for the go-ahead goal
to keep the Galaxy's postseason hopes alive. It was Buddle's
fifth goal this campaign.

"Coming on as a sub and scoring feels really good," Buddle said.
"It's always good for bragging rights. Having won this many
games in a row is awesome and makes us feel like we belong in
the playoffs."

"We've got a bit of momentum going and we need all we can get,"
Yallop said. "So at this point, you just have to go for it and
hope for the best. I felt Buddle was ready, and he showed that
he was."

The winning goal was sweet revenge for the 26-year-old Buddle,
who started the season with Toronto before being traded away in
mid-July.